unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely outcome

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place to see much wildlife

Synonyms of unlikely

• doubtful
• dubious
• questionable
• improbable

Examples of unlikely in a Sentence

He was an unlikely candidate for the position.

A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife.

I received support from an unlikely ally.

Recent Examples on the Web

After 40, about half are abnormal and unlikely to result in pregnancy. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

From this angle, leveraging threats to expel Russia in exchange for the extradition of Assad is unlikely. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

The Kremlin is now cooperating with the new regime in Damascus, including transferring control of two former Mediterranean military bases, but is unlikely to extradite its guest. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Getty Images/iStockphoto Something that seemed highly unlikely at the start of 2026 could very well happen this September. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unlikely

• likely

Kids Definition

unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

ˈən-

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely story

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place for fishing

unlikeliness noun